How to Obtain EU Citizenship

The European Union confers supplemental citizenship status on all citizens of its member states. The E.U. constitution guarantees citizens the rights to freely move, work and reside in any member state, participate in the European Parliament and receive diplomatic protection in non-member states. The E.U. automatically grants citizenship to anyone who becomes a naturalized citizen of a member nation. In most cases, marriage to a European expedites the naturalization process. Citizenship requires a person to fulfill the residency and naturalization requirements specified by the law of a particular country.

Contact the local embassy or consulate of the nation to which you would like to immigrate. Laws vary from country to country. Your nationality, criminal background, education, professional and economic status and many other factors may affect your eligibility for residency and citizenship. Make sure you qualify.

Apply for a visa through the embassy and explore all options. If you can certify an independent means of income and will not be working in Europe, then you should qualify for a residence visa in most countries. Some countries grant residence visas based on national ancestory. Due to cost and bureaucracy, few employers hire non-E.U. citizens. But certain skilled, specialized professionals may find employment and qualify for a work visa.

Move to Europe. Register as a foreign national and stay in contact with the local immigration authorities throughout your residency. Follow all rules, regulations and procedures regarding foreign residents and all the laws of the land. A visa violation or criminal offense can result in loss of resident privileges.

Remain in your host country as a legal resident for the allotted number of years to qualify for citizenship. Residency requirements vary greatly in different countries, ranging from a two years for a university degree holder in France to standard five to 10 years in other nations.

Apply for citizenship. Complete any language proficiency tests, loyalty oaths, exams or other requirements specified by the law of your host nation. If approved, you become a citizen of the European Union who holds all the rights, privileges and responsibilities thereof.

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About the Author

David Samson has been contributing since 1999 under various pseudonyms to a number of underground avant-garde/punk magazines, including "The Bourgeois-Geist" and "Medatrocity." He has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Texas at Austin, and also works as a freelance writing tutor.